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Are You a Cancer Prevention Advocate?

Could You Be an Advocate and Not Even Know it?

The word “advocacy” can be intimidating. Most people have never set foot on Capitol Hill or in their state legislature. However, advocacy is much more than supporting legislation or being involved in politics. It encompasses a wide array of activities and efforts and we believe that advocacy can actually be fun and easy. In fact, you are probably already an advocate and you don’t even know it.

Do you stay active and maintain a healthy weight?

Do you try to maintain a healthy diet?

Do you encourage family and friends to take care of themselves?

Have you been screened for cancer and other diseases?

Have you asked about your family medical history?

Do you keep up with news coverage about cancer and healthcare issues?

Have you participated in a health-related activity in your community?

Have you navigated a healthcare system for yourself or your loved one?

Have you sent a letter to the editor regarding a health-related issue?

Have you promoted a fitness program at your place of employment?

Have you ever contact a state legislator or member of Congress in support or opposition of an issue?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are already an advocate for cancer prevention and early detection! Learn more about what you can do to help your family, your community and your country with the Prevent Cancer Foundation.

Please sign up to be a Prevent Cancer Foundation advocate today and receive timely updates on actions that you can take to support cancer prevention, early detection, health and wellness.

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Advocacy Blog

Earlier today the House of Representatives passed H.R.6, the 21st Century Cures Act by a vote of 344-77, with only 70 Republicans voting against the bill. The legislation would provide an additional $9.3 billion in mandatory funding over the next five years to fund the National Institutes of Health and establish a Cures Innovation Fund to support work toward breakthroughs in biomedical research. It also provides $550 million in added funding to the Food and Drug Administration over the same period.

Earlier this week, we asked our advocates to write to their Representatives to vote yes on H.R. 6, the 21st Century Cures Act. Today, the House will begin debating the 21st Century Cures Act including a vote on an amendment that threatens the power of this bill to fund research and save lives. The Brat Amendment, filed by Representative Dave Brat (R-VA), would undermine one of the fundamental promises of the 21st Century Cures Act: guaranteeing robust funding for NIH after years of flat and reduced spending. This amendment would undermine NIH’s enhanced ability through H.R. 6 to perform basic research that contributes to the development of biomedical advancements to the benefit of all people. Furthermore, the Brat Amendment would weaken bipartisan support for H.R. 6 and poses a threat to its ultimate passage in the House.

Today the underinsured and those who obtained health insurance for the first time under the Affordable Care Act, won a great victory as the Supreme Court ruled to preserve Affordable Care Act subsidies for 6.4 million people who live in areas without state-backed exchanges. In a strong endorsement of the Affordable Care Act, the Supreme Court votes 6-3 in King v. Burwell. Millions of people will be able to keep their insurance coverage and thousands of lives will be saved as a result. “Congress passed the Affordable Care Act to improve health insurance markets, not to destroy them,” said Chief Justice John Roberts in the majority opinion.

Now millions of people are able to continue receiving preventative screenings and therefore lives will be saved. Hopefully, this is the last challenge that will be brought against the ACA.